After a long while here's the next chapter. The Covid-19 issues have been keeping me busy, and I'm sorry for taking so long to complete this. Keep safe everyone.
Here's chapter 8.
"That's right. I'm Lingyin Huang, Cadet Representative of China, and I've come here to declare war!" The new girl stood at the door of the class, pointing a finger to officiate her claim.
No one was sure what to make of what was going on. The transferee student had come in and just declared war on their class. Rumors also said this girl was the representative cadet of China, so they couldn't tell if she was serious or not.
Meanwhile Ichika was laughing out loud at the whole thing.
"Good one! What do you think you're doing Rin?"
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"Ever since we were kids you always felt the need to act tough."
"That's because I am tough!"
"Oh, come on Rin. Your my childhood friend so I know you better than anyone. Acting cool like that seriously doesn't suit you.
"Well I could say the same about you."
The teacher of class 1-1 than walked up behind her.
"Hey you."
"Now what?" Rin turned to her, and immediately wished she didn't. Chifuyu Orimura was right there. Just seeing her reminded Rin of frightful memories from years ago. "Chi-Chifuyu!" Rin's legs started to shake.
Ms. Orimura brought her attendance book lightly down on Rin's head. "That's Ms. Orimura. Now stop blocking the door and go back to class 1-2. Homeroom's about to begin."
"Yes ma'am!" Rin obeyed. She stepped out of Ms. Orimura's way, giving Ichika one last look before she left. "I'll be back later, so don't you dare run away Ichika."
Chifuyu started the morning address to get class underway. As Ms. Orimura went on about future lessons, a few students were more focused on that new transfer student. Specifically Houki and Cecilia.
'Who was that girl?' Houki wondered. 'She seemed to be quite friendly with Ichika. And what did Ichika mean by childhood friend? I thought I was his childhood friend.'
'I wonder who that girl was from earlier?' Cecilia wondered. 'She was way too friendly with Ichika-san. How does she know him when I've only known him for a few weeks? That's too big a head start over me; I demand a fair and square match!'
"Shinonono, Alcott" Ms. Orimura growled.
Both girls froze. Having Chifuyu Orimura call your name in class like that was never a good sign. Their hearts were pounding, and not the same way when they looked at Ichika.
"Are my lessons that boring to you?" She raised an eyebrow.
THWACK x2
Both girls rubbed the newly formed lump on their heads. Everyone in class put off any thoughts that didn't have to do with the current lesson, less they be on the receiving end of an attendance book.
/-/
"I knew you'd come here. I've been waiting for you, Ichika!"
The girl from earlier stood by the back of the school lunch line, figuring Ichika would show up there sooner or later for lunch. She waited with hands on her hips with a smug grin on her face.
"We'll it's the main place to get food in this school so of course I'd be here." Ichika pointed out.
"Of course. I knew that…"
"But man, it's been about a whole year since I last saw you. I can't believe your class 1-2's new transfer. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Don't be stupid, if I'd done that. It would've totally ruined our dramatic reunion."
"Still it's great to see you again. Have you been good?" Ichika asked, eager to reconnect with his childhood friend.
"I'm doing just fine. What about you? Maybe you should get sick or injured for a change."
"Now why would you wish that? Anyway, when did you return to Japan? How's your mom? And when did you become a representative cadet?" Ichika threw out loads of questions to catch up with his old friend.
While Ichika talked with his old friend, his newer ones had come up to them. Jayden, Houki, and Cecilia were all here.
"Hi Ichika, who's your new friend?" Jayden asked.
"Ichika, it's time you explain everything." Houki demanded.
"That's right, how do you know this girl and why are you so friendly with her?" Cecilia folded her arms, trying to star down the new student.
The were staring down Ichika expecting answers. Some more eager than others.
"Well it's kind of a funny story." Ichika sheepishly said. Occasionally he glanced back at Rin wondering if it would be better for her to explain. Those odd looks didn't go unnoticed.
"Wait don't tell me." Jayden interrupted. "You're going out with her aren't you Ichika?"
Cecilia and Houki's jaw dropped.
"W-Wh-wha-what!? No." Rin denied. Her cheeks turned a light shade of red."It's not true. Why would you even think that!?"
"Yeah. We're just childhood friends." Ichika said before anyone else suggested another misunderstanding.
"But I thought I was your childhood friend." Houki said. She'd known Ichika for years and never once had she seen this girl. She knew Ichika wasn't a liar, but she'd never seen that girl before.
"Childhood friend?" Rin raised an eye at Ichika.
"It's not what you think. Just let me explain First we should find a palce to sit, then I'll tell you everything. He scoped the cafeteria to find a spot for everyone to sit at. It was rush hour at lunch and all the larger tables and booths were filled, which didn't leave enough space for five people to sit together.
"Hey Ichika, you remember what we did in middle school for lunch sometimes right." Rin recalled.
"What do you… " Ichika's eyes widened remembering an old pastime he and her had back in school. "Ah! I get what you're saying. Follow me everyone. I know a good place where we can eat."
Once everyone had their meals, Ichika led the group through the halls and up some stairs. Everyone wondered where Ichika was taking them, except for Rin who seemed to somehow already know. He led them up to the roof of the school, which was designed for student use. Waist high metal gates were on the edges of the roof tops and the ground was covered in artificial grass in the center of the rooftops. Not to mention the spectacular view of the ocean and school grounds one could get from this high up. Overall, it looked like a great place which made everyone wonder why they didn't hang out here more often.
"I didn't think the school would let us up here. Or that their rooftops would look this nice. This place really does have everything." Jayden bent down to feel the grass. The color showed it was fake, but it felt so much like the real thing. Everyone was impressed the school went this far to make the place hospitable. "I can't believe we get this place all to ourselves."
"Not exactly. We aren't the only ones here." Cecilia pointed out. At the end of the grassy field was another girl with her back to the group. She had an IS uniform with what appeared to be a Thai coat woven into the uniform with red ribbons.
Jayden couldn't see her face, but with that dark green hair, he was certain of who that was. Well… more like 80%. 80% was close to certain right?
"Vishnu?"
The girl seemed to freeze hearing her name called. She slowly turned her head. seeing Jayden. And then all the people there. She started to shift about as all their eyes were on her while her breathing quickened.
Then she coughed.
And coughed.
And continued to cough.
And started coughing violently while pressing her hands into her stomach.
Recognizing what was going on, everyone rushed over to her. Jayden held out his drink from his lunch to her. She immediately snatched it and guzzled down the beverage to ease the food caught in her throat. The coughing soon ceased as the lump in her throat soon went down into her stomach. Soon Vishnu was taking deep breathes to calm herself.
"That was close." Vishnu breathed in relief as she caught her breath.
"Are you all right?"
"You gave us quite the scare."
Vishnu nodded and slowed her breathing down. Everything was okay now. Just her and-
Vishnu's eyes bolted open, realizing who was in front of her.
"That's a relief. I'm happy to see you're okay." Jayden said.
Everyone gathered around Vishnu to make sure she was okay. With so many people around, Vishnu started to shift about, her gaze now at everyone's feet.
"Everything okay?" Ichika asked, moving closer to check on Vishnu, only she moved back in response. Vishnu squirmed uncomfortably as they crowded around her. Anywhere her eyes moved she could still see someone. She bundled up trying to make herself smaller as though she was invisible. It didn't work.
With a scream Vishnu grabbed her belongings and bolted away, dropping bits and pieces of her meal as she made a hasty exit.
"Well… she was interesting." Rin said.
"Did you know her Jayden? She seemed to recognize you." Ichika asked.
Jayden tiled his hand in a sorta-kinda motion. 'We've met but were not that close."
"I feel like I've seen her before." Cecilia tried to remember.
"Well she's she seemed fine so let's eat. I'm getting hungry." Rin declared.
Everyone decided to leave it at that. Sitting in a circle on the fake grass to eat. Now that everyone was settled Ichika decided to explain who the new transfer student was.
"Everyone, this is Lingyin Huang, but she prefers to be called Rin. She's my childhood friend." Ichika introduced. "Rin, these are my friends from school. Houki. Jayden, and Cecilia." She eyed the people Ichika had met at school, looking them over.
"Quite the group of females you've gathered Ichika." Rin remarked. "You always were nice to the girls."
Jayden's pride took another hit as once again, he was mistake for a girl.
"Rin that's Jayden, the other guy at this the school."
Rin stared deeply at Jayden, soon widening her eyes in realization. "Wait you're really a guy!"
"Yes, I'm a guy!" Jayden snapped. "I know I look girly and my hair is long, but I am a guy. I just look young, got it!" Truthfully, he looked young because he was 13 in a school for 15 year olds and above, but getting into the school meant no one else could know that.
"Sorry, I thought you were girl with those looks. Not like I knew who you were."
"How do you not know me? I made national headlines when people learned I could pilot an IS."
"Yeah I don't pay much attention to other pilots." Rin waved if off.
"That's it." Sick of waiting for her question to be answered, she took the initative herself. "Ichika. What did you mean by her being your childhood friend? Aren't I your childhood friend Ichika?"
"Oh right. This is the first time you've met. See. Houki, you moved out once 4th grade was over. Rin here moved in at the start of 5th grade and we became friends. And then she went back to China at the end of the second year in middle school, so its been about a year since we last saw each other. So, you were my first childhood friend, and Rin was my second."
"I'm first…" She know why but the sounding of that made Houki very happy.
"Rin, this is my other childhood friend Houki. The girl I walked home with and to the kendo dojo during elementary school. " Ichika introduced. "I've told you about her."
"I see. It's nice to meet one of Ichika's old friends. I hope we can get along well together."
"Yeah, the feeling's mutual."
The two exchanged formal greetings, all while staring each other down. Maybe it was the fact they each knew Ichika for years but both of them could recognize the other had a thing for Ichika.
"Wait hold on." Jayden cut in. "I thought her name was Lingyin."
That was the name she used when she declared was on class 1-1.
"Well that's my official name but I prefer the name Rin. Lingyin is too Chinese for me." Rin answered.
"But… aren't you Chinese?"
"Rin wasn't fond of her name in school. She got teased a lot for it by other kids, so she went by something else." Ichika explained.
"it made things difficult, so I found it easier just to call myself something different. And it's a name I prefer to have my friends call, so feel free to call me Rin everyone."
"Ahem" Cecilia spoke into her fist. "It would be quite if you had forgotten about me. The cadet representative of England."
"Yeah I have no idea who you are."
"What!? You don't recognize me, Cecilia Alcott. The cadet representative of England? As a cadet representative you must be aware of others who hold that title."
"Nope." Rin waved her off. "I don't care about the other countries."
Cecilia's faced was turning red with anger. "What did you just say? For your information, I'm not someone who'll be defeated by someone like you."
Rin stretched her hands and rested her hands behind her head. "If we do fight, I'm going to win. Sorry to burst your bubble but I'm quite formidable." Her words had no malice to them but there was plenty of self-confidence to go around.
Cecilia pounded her fist on the grass. "That's quite the nerve you have. A representative cadet should have a better attitude." The British cadet was growing weary of her attitude. How did this girl even become a cadet rep in the first place?
"So Ichika, I heard you're class one's representative." Rin lost interest in Cecilia and went back to Ichika.
"Yeah it turned out that way. Now I have to train for the upcoming class rep match." The tournament where Ichika would be fighting against the class reps of the first-year classes.
"You know Ichika. I wouldn't mind overseeing your IS training." Rin offered.
"Really? That would be aw-"
"That's not necessary." Houki cut him off. She refused to let that girl take away her position as Ichika's trainer.
"Ichika asked me personally to train him for fighting."
"Didn't your training only get him to second place in the last tournament?" Jayden pointed out. A glare from Houki shut his mouth got him.
"Besides we don't need someone from another class spying on our class rep." Houki said. "You're from a different class anyway"
"I just want to help my friend. And I've known him for quite a long time so I'm sure to be a better teacher for him. Not to mention I have an IS of my own, and those with IS units should train together. Are you a cadet representative to Houki?"
Houki bit her tounge to keep her mouth shut. She couldn't let herself concede Ichika to that Chinese show-off. "Well I've known him for even longer than you have. In fact, Ichika's eaten at my home before. That's how close we are," Houki smugly stated. Rin was completely unfazed though.
"He's eaten at mine to." Rin said like it was nothing and slurped down some noodles. "Practically every week when we were kids."
Houki and Cecilia deadpanned. What did she just say? This girl and Ichika were that close! They turned to Ichika, expecting an immediate answer. Even Jayden was staring down Ichika, wanting all the juicy details.
"Calm down you two." Beads of sweat dropped down Ichika's face. He never knew they were so interested in food. "I just went to the Chinese restaurant that her family owned. It was easier than cooking for myself and Rin's family gave me a discount."
"Oh. A restaurant. That's all there is to it. Then it's nothing out of the ordinary." Both girls sighed in relief.
"Speaking of which, how's your dad doing Rin? He should've recovered by now, right?"
"What… erm, he's doing well... I think" She seemed rather depressed about it, fiddling with some of the fake grass.
Before anyone could imply further, a bell rang about the academy. It was signaling lunch period was about to end.
"Oh, would you look at the time, gotta go. I'll see you after class Ichika. Bye!" Rin immediately grabbed her things and ran off before anyone could speak. Seeming way too eager to get out there. For the second time that period, everyone watched another girl leave the rooftops in a hurry.
"Forget about her Ichika, you need to prioritize your time. It won't be long before the tournament." Houki said.
"Ichika-san. May I remind you not to waste precious time." Cecilia scolded.
The two girls looked at one another, nodding in confirmation. While they had a common enemy, they could put aside their differences to work together to make sure Rin didn't win. And so a shakey but necessary alliance was formed.
The boys, however, were totally clueless to what they were thinking.
"Hey Ichika. Is it just me or do the girls seem really interested in IS training today?" Jayden asked.
"They must really want me to win. Probably for the meal tickets. I never knew Houki or Cecilia were that that into food."
The two girls shook on it. Together they would make sure Rin didn't win.
/-/
Rin paced around the outside the arena. She'd been out here for about half an hour after classes ended. All for a certain boy to arrive for IS training. And if those other girls were there, she'd show them how much better she was at the IS and why she was best suited to help Ichika.
"Any minute now. He's bound to show up." Rin whispered silently.
Rin's patience was about to pay off as she heard someone walk into the arena. Rin folded her arms, it was showtime.
"I've been waiting for you… Oh it's just you." Rin's mood soured. As she wanted, there was a guy here now. Just not the one she wanted to see.
"Hey Rin, you out here for IS practice to?" Jayden greeted her with a wave hello. He was in his two piece dark green IS suit. "I thought I booked the arena for myself but I'm happy to share.
"Something like that. Say… Is Ichika coming?" Rin checked and no else appeared to be coming.
"Well he's training but not in this arena." Jayden answered. "He's in another arena. I think Houki and Cecilia were going to train him."
IS academy had multiple arenas on the island, which could reserved for students who wanted to practice piloting IS units, and honing their skills. Although mostly used by upper classmen, anyone could reserve an arena for a set amount of time to practice.
"So, he's with those girls again. I'll go pay him a visit."
Before she could leave, Jayden stopped her.
"You said you were the representative cadet of China. I wanna fight you to see how good cadet representatives really are."
In the last tournament, he'd never gotten a chance to battle Cecilia. A fact the blond liked to remind him of when Jayden doubted her skills. And by Gelimer's request, he'd wanted him to practice with his IS unit. Edel Gleam, (or as Jayden preferred to call it, Nova Union.) If the skill level of a representative cadet was truly that high, than at least how could find out how far away he was from reaching that level.
"You want to fight me... In a mock battle?" Rin considered it, than declined.
"Please Rin, I want to see how I measure up to a representative cadet, and I can't do it just by watching them fight. I want to better myself and see if I really do need practice."
He figured if he tested himself against Rin, he could see if he really did need as much practice as Gelimer said he needed. Not to mention if he kept fighting and practicing maybe his IS would finally undergo a first shift.
"If we fought, I'd kick your butt. There's no way you can beat me." Rin said with confidence.
"Then why don't you prove it." Jayden challenged. "Unless your all bark and no bite."
Rin wasn't the kind of girl to back down from a challenge, one of her weaknesses that Ichika tended to point out to her.
"Tough guy huh? You know what, I can see Ichika later. Kicking your butt sounds way more fun. In fact, let's make it interesting."
"Interesting?"
"The loser has to give something to the win. Whatcha got to offer."
Jayden thought about what he owned. He doubted She'd be interested in video games or book about space. But he did know one thing Rin was interested in that he'd learned about her recently.
"If you win. I'll tell you something about Ichika."
"Pfft." Rin waved him away. "I'm Ichika's childhood friend, I practically know everything about him"
She made a good point. Anything Jayden knew about Ichika, Rin probably knew as well. She had known him for years. Then again, she wouldn't know anything about what happened recently.
"Well then what if I tell you about something about Ichika AND Houki. Specifically, the connection those two have."
"Houki?" Rin remembered she was the girl who Ichika said was his first childhood friend. It seemed like they were only friends but Rin had been away from Ichika for a year. And whenever Ichika talked of Houki, he'd been pretty vague about her. Who knows what changes could've happened while she was away? "And what are those two up to?"
Jayden motioned to zip his lips. There was only one way to make him talk
"So be it. I'll kick your butt, then you gotta tell me everything you know about Ichika and Houki's relationship."
"Deal." Jayden agreed. "And what do I get I if I win? Law of exchange dictates you got to ante up something to."
"Fine by me. If by some chance you win, I'll tell you an embarrassing secret of mine." Rin offered. Not that she had any intention of losing. Now she was getting serious, important information was on the line.
"You've got a deal. Let's do this."
Crying out Nova Union's name, Jayden's ring glow and his IS materialized. It appeared in its dark green color scheme with armor around the legs, arms, and torso. Jayden summoned his primary weapon, a buckler shield that he held in his right hand.
Rin summoned her IS without any words as her wristband on her right wrist glowed. It was a pink IS with bulky armor on her limbs. What stood out the most were the two ball shaped things that floated near her shoulders. It was the bulkiest IS Jayden had seen at the Academy.
"That's your IS?"
"Its name is ShenLong. My personal IS unit and the best that China has to offer." Rin said confidently.
"Shenron? I see you're really fond of dragons."
"ShenLong! Not Shenron you idiot. My IS isn't a wish granting dragon." She materialized her weapons, a pair of Chinese scimitars which were named 'Souten Gagestu'. "You're about to find out how deadly I can be!"
"Bring it on." Jayden challenged.
With words done being said, the mock match began.
Rin flew forward, sweeping one scimitar across the side at Jayden forcing him to block with his shield as the scimitar struck it and bounced off. Rin swung again with her other scimitar making Jayden repeat his blocking. From there Rin kept on swinging as Jayden continued to place his shield in the way of her blade and his IS. Rin attacked again. And again. And again. And again!
After Rin's onslaught started to slow down, Jayden shoved his shield ahead to attack trying to bash her.
She sidestepped the blow which sent Jayden staggering forward. Rin than took the chance to attack him from behind, sending him to the ground on his stomach.
First blood had gone to Rin and she had no intention of ending her momentum.
"Hah!"
Jayden rolled out of the way just in time as Rin stabbed her Scimitars to where Jayden was, leaving small cracks in the ground. He quickly got up into a defensive position for Rin's next attack
"It's not a fight if you don't fight back. Why don't you bring out your real weapon?" Rin taunted.
Jayden would if he could, but the problem with only having a shield is that he ONLY had a shield. While it's good for blocking damage, it wasn't as good for dealing it. That left him to get into melee range if he wanted to attack with his shield or a punch. Of course, when your opponent was stronger in melee than you were, that wasn't an option either.
For now, Jayden continued to block Rin's assault until an opening presented itself. Rin's Scimitar struck his shield. One strike became ten, then became twenty, and soon approaching thirty. Jayden grunted as he managed to hold out
"Is hiding behind a shield all you know to do?" Rin swung again and again, beads of sweat started to run down her face.
"It's a legit stragety!" Jayden defended. And said stragety appeared to be working as it looked like Rin was starting to show signs of fatigue. If he kept defending, Rin would have to cease to catch her breath or better yet, make a mistake.
As She struck, Jayden managed to duck instead of block and used the opening to strike Rin's face with his shield, pulling himself back just in time to avoid a counterattack from Rin's other scimitar.
She didn't want to admit, but that hit was due to her opponent getting the better of her. Rin was a power user who relied on the brute strength of her IS, but she wasn't a brainless berserker who believed might was right. It was time to change stragety.
"Take this!"
She feinted a swing leaving Jayden holding out his shield. Rin then swung her scimitar upward, taking Jayden by surprise as she knocked his shield upwards into the air. With it out of the way, Rin struck Jayden in rapid succession with powerful blows. Jayden attempted to dodge and block with his arms which did little good as the blades sliced across the shields of his IS.
He hated to admit but Rin really was that good. She had been able to keep up her aggression so far without any signs of slowing down, and now she'd disarmed him from his only weapon. So, this was the level of a representative cadet.
Rin's assault forced him back just as his shield landed on the ground behind Rin. Any attempt to get past Rin to reclaim his shield was blocked by her and without his main weapon there wasn't anything he could do bare handed. Jayden considered his options as Rin pressed her advantage with her weapons. Her latest hit bringing Jayden down to about 40% of his shield energy.
Ducking out of the way of another, an idea came to his head. There was another weapon he could use. And it was coming right at him.
As she swung, Jayden dodged at the last moment and grabbed one of her scimitars, trying to wrestle it out of Rin's grasp. While the blade cut into him as he grabbed it, dealing minor damage to his shield energy. Getting a weapon was well worth the price.
"What are you doing? Let go" Rin tried to shake him off but he refused to let go.
"You said to get a weapon, so I am."
The two continued their tug of war for the fate of the scimitar.
"Well if you want it that badly…" Rin smirked. "You can have it." She simply let go and Jayden's pulling sent him staggering back till he fell on his butt. Embarrassing as it was, Jayden now had a weapon to use. He didn't know how to use it properly, but it was still a sword-like weapon. You swing it and, it and hurts whatever it hits.
"Now it's a real fight." Jayden tested the weight of the weapon, getting use to it. Once ready he skated at Rin, thinking nothing more that sticking it to Rin. Rin meanwhile stood her ground, preparing to counter with her other scimitar.
Just as he was a bout to swing, the scimitar in his hands dematerialized. Leaving him looking pretty stupid as he swung nothing but thin air at Rin. Rin attacked back with a weapon that didn't dematerialize and sent Jayden back. The same scimitar than rematerialized in Rin's other hand.
"What the? How did you do that?"
"Any experienced pilot can materialize their weapon in an instant. Can't you do the same." Jayden concentrated, taking Rin's advice trying to make his weapon dematerialize and return to him. A fact Rin quickly picked up on and attacked to break his concentration.
Jayden could recall his weapon, but he needed time to concentrate to make it happen, which Rin wasn't going to give him. Forced to retreat, he took to the sky as Rin pursued him.
Jayden checked his remaining shield energy, less than 20% while Rin in the upper 90%, had barley been scratched.
"Dang I knew she was good but this… this is a slaughter. What do I do? Okay, when Ichika's back was against the wall…." Jayden had an idea, he'd probably lose but if this worked, it would well be worth it. He stopped running away and remained floating in the air. In a perplexing move he turned towards Rin extended his arms and legs. Followed by doing nothing.
Absolutely nothing.
Jayden floated there in mid air, giving Rin a taunt smile that just screamed 'come and get me.'.
Rin didn't know what he was thinking but if her opponent wanted to give her a free shot, who was she to say no. She looked at the spheres on her IS's shoulders as though considering her options, than changed her mind. Instead resorting to Souten Gangestu. Rin flew above Jayden and dived down at him. While keeping her eyes peeled for anything she readied her blades, holding them to swing in an X shaped swing.
"Hi-yah!"
She dug her blades into Nova Union, the resulting forcing was pushing them. All the while Jayden continued to do nothing as his IS shield energy reached double digits and continued to drop. She pushed him lower and lower until they crashed onto the ground.
A small crater was formed from their impact with Rin on top of Jayden. The shield energy on Jayden's IS had reached zero signaling the mock battle was over.
Jayden eagerly checked the status of his IS to find… it was still the same dark green thin frame he had at the start of the battle. The only difference now was the coating of dust and dirt it had after hitting the ground. In the end, Rin's offense overpowered Jayden's defense.
"Why didn't it work? Why is my IS still in default mode?" He tried to figure out what went wrong, he did everything Ichika had done. Fighting a stronger opponent? Check. Getting hit by a powerful attack when your shield energy was low that should've brought it to zero? Check. Achieving a first shift? No check. What was the difference?
"So, what the heck was that? Did you just give up at the end?" Rin folded her arms, expecting an answer. She dematerialized her IS, which Jayden followed suit.
"It was…. Just something stupid I tried, and it didn't work." Jayden tried to figure what had happened. Ichika went through nearly the same ordeal, facing a stronger enemy and being brought down to low shield energy, triggering a first shift. So why didn't the same occur for Jayden? "Hey Rin, how did you get your IS to undergo a first shift?"
"Oh That? My IS's first shift occurred after a few hours of training once ShenLong finished configuring its settings. Then I obtained full usage of My IS's weaponry and the rest is history."
Which meant Jayden's IS still hadn't finished configuring its settings for him. So, what was taking Nova Union so long?
"Well at least it was a good fight." Jayden said.
"Not really." Rin bluntly said. "All you did was hide behind your shield, then tried a bunch of stupid ideas that backfired. Once your shield was out of the way, I could wail on ya as much as I pleased. Can't your IS do anything else?"
Jayden's silence told Rin he didn't.
"Well whatever, that's your problem. Anyway, as the winner, you have to tell me what's the deal with Ichika and that Houki girl." Rin demanded
"Right… well here's whats going on between Ichika and Houki."
And so, Jayden explained, everything he knew about Ichika and Houki. How they acted, what he knew they did together (which was only kendo), and what their relationship seemed to be. Which according to Jayden was nothing more than really good friends.
"And that's all I know about them." Jayden concluded
"I see. Looks like they aren't as close as I thought." Rin sighed in relief.
"They only thing close about them is their living distance."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"They live in the same room so they're literally close by. Get it?" Jayden joked.
Rin grabbed Jayden and immediately shook him. "WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY THAT EARLIER!" She casted Jayden an angry look, pushing him aside as she ran out of the arena. There was no time to waste.
"You're welcome by the way." Jayden dusted himself off and decided to call it a night. At least he could climb into bed and end the day without any more problems.
/-/
Turns out there was one more problem.
"Okay… maybe I left it up here."
Somehow, Jayden had lost his room ID card which he needed to get into his room. Honne was nowhere to be found and he couldn't find a staff member to issue a new room key for him. Jayden's search for his missing key lead him back to the school roof where he ate lunch. And just like before, he wasn't alone on the rooftop.
In the middle of the fake grassy field, a girl was performing strange poses on a mat with her back to the setting sun. She wore a tank top and black pants that clung to her skin quite nicely. The way she moved made Jayden unable to take her eyes off her with the setting sun on her. Still, that dark green haired bob-style haircut and slightly dark skin was a giveaway for who she was.
"Vishnu?"
The girl flinched hearing her named called. Losing her balance, she fell onto butt in a rough landing. They stared at each other, unsure of what to say. Jayden took the initative before she decided to run away again.
"Hi?"
"Are you stalking me!?" Vishnu demanded.
Not the response Jayden was hoping for.
"No, I'm not!"
"So you just happen to keep running into me by chance?"
"Kinda."
Vishnu gave him a doubt look. "Then why are you here?" Her eyes glanced about, as though looking for an escape route.
"Look! I'm not here for you. I'm just here to look for my room key. It may be here so I'm just here to check." Jayden explained.
"That's all?"
Jayden nodded.
She sighed in relief and got off the ground. "Go ahead and look for your key, just don't get too close."
Not that he needed her permission to search a public area but at least she wouldn't run away in terror again. Jayden combed the grassy area for his room key, getting on his hands and knees to search thoroughly. As he looked his sight occasionally wandered back over to Vishnu who was back to doing her slow and weird posing. With the setting sun on her, she looked quite exotic as did what appeared to be stretching.
The silence was getting awkward so Jayden tried making small talk.
"Nice weather were having huh?"
"It is."
"And the class representative battles are coming up. You excited?"
"Somewhat." Vishnu gave a quick glance and returned to her business.
"You liking campus life so far?"
"Yes."
Talking with Vishnu felt like a one-man conservation, and his search hadn't found anything yet.
"Look. I'm sorry if I freaked you out back on the mainland."
Vishnu recalled what he did in that alley way and his comments about her. Her cheeks went a light crimson. "It's fine."
"Is that why you run away from me? I'm sorry. I said something stupid and I shouldn't have said it."
"It isn't." Vishnu answered. "I'm not good with people."
"Why's that?"
Vishnu remained silent, preferring not to answer as she bent over to touch her toes. Unknowingly giving the boy a great view of a certain asset of hers. As much as Jayden wanted look, he turned away before he repeated his mistake.
Talking with Vishnu felt sort of like talking with a brick wall. Her conservation was limited to as few words as needed and now, he was feeling bad for making her uncomfortable. Jayden looked as she now stretched her arms out while raising one leg up, leaving herself balancing on a single leg. It was kind of amazing seeing her support herself like that.
"What'cha up to with all those poses?
"Yoga." She answered though not as nervously this time.
"Ah… Do you like it?" He'd heard about it but never looked into yoga.
"I enjoy it..." Vishnu glanced at Jayden before returning to eyeing the sea.
"Well it looks pretty good… The poses! I mean the poses not you… I mean you do look good but… uhhh. I'm sorry." Jayden groaned. It didn't look like his ID was here so it was time to check somewhere else before his mouth betrayed him
"Hold it." Vishnu stopped him before he could leave. "Why did you do it?"
"You looked great in that pose and with the sun on you-"
"Not that!" Vishnu paused, though her cheeks were changing color. Although that could've just been the sun. "When I was in trouble, you came to help me. With those guys hitting one me and when I was choking. What were you after? That's the one thing I can't figure out."
Jayden recalled the event. His heroics and his embarrassments came flooding back to him.
"I thought you were doing it to try to ask me out but no one who was that brave could mess it up that badly."
Vishnu dealt an unintentional blow to Jayden's pride.
"So, what were you after? Money? Favors?"
Jayden considered his answers, lying sounded good to get away before he somehow made everything worse. Then again lying was never his strong suit. Honesty was a different story.
"You looked like you needed help. When I saw you were in trouble and no one was doing anything, I just… wanted to make sure you'd be okay."
"I could've handled those guys if I needed to."
"And I'm sure you could've… I just didn't want to see you hurt."
Vishnu paused, holding her current position. She wasn't sure how to respond to that, no one had ever said it to her before. "And if I was in trouble, would you do it again?"
"Of course."
Jayden answered with no hesitation.
"I see…" Vishnu took a deep breath and stood up straight. "Thank you…"
Jayden felt a little better now, at least she didn't seem to think he was a creep anymore. It was a small victory but a victory none the less.
Vishnu checked the sun, it was almost completely set. It was a good time to call it day. She picked up her mat and began to fold it, stopping when she noticed something on the grass where her mat was laid. A small white card that had the face of the guy she was talking to on it.
"Um…. Excuse me. Is this yours?" She neverously approached him and sheepishly held out a card to Jayden.
"My ID card!"
"It was under my mat." Vishnu blushed. "I didn't look where I was putting my it. I'm sorry." She bowed in apology.
"No worries, I'm just happy to have it back. I was looking for that all night." Jayden took back the card and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Vishnu called out. "Um… I often do Yoga here around this time. If you want, I can teach you a few poses. If you'd like." She eyed the ground as she spoke.
Jayden tilted his head. Was she asking him to come back later?
"Sure, I'll come back sometime."
A small smile appeared on Vishnu's face. "Have a good night Jayden."
"Good night Vishnu." Now that Vishnu couldn't see his face, his lips turned to a huge grin. Finally, something had gone right today.
/-/
A peaceful night didn't seem possible tonight for Ichika Orimura. Specially when you first and second childhood friends got together.
"And that is why, we need to change rooms." Rin finished her appeal, clapping her hands together to show her sincerity. "So what do you say?"
One-minute Houki and Ichika were relaxing in their room together and the next Rin had knocked on the door, barged in, and demanded that a room swap between herself and Houki occur. Needless to say, Houki took to the idea like a cat takes to bathes.
"Are you out of your mind? Why should I do that?"
"You must be bothered by having to share a room with a guy every night, and you can't relax with him around. Since I'm not fussy about that, and out of the goodness of my heart. I'm offering you the chance to change rooms. Pretty good deal huh?"
Houki wanted to spit at Rin's deal, but she managed to hold back.
"I never said any of that, and whatever issues we have is between me and Ichika. So, don't butt in."
"What? Are you telling me you're fine with staying in the same room as Ichika?"
Houki wanted to answer but was she felt too embarrassed to do so. Especially with Ichika right there listening to everything.
Ichika watched from his bed as the two girls argued. Knowing both of them so well he expected something like this to happen. Rin was the kind of person who did what she wanted and always did things her way. Houki on the other hand stuck to her opinion and was quite stubborn about her things. The term 'unstoppable force vs immovable object' perfectly applied here.
"So, Rin, is that all your things." Ichika noted the small travel bag Rin had. She was serious about moving in.
"That's right. As long as I have this baby with me, I'm ready to go." Rin patted the top of her bag.
"I'm not moving out." Houki glared dagger at Rin.
"That's fine then. If you won't move out than I'll just move in. There's just enough space for three people."
"What!? No, get out! This is my room!" Houki said.
"But this is Ichika's room to. You guys are okay living together because your childhood friends. And I'm his childhood friend so it shouldn't be a problem."
This shouldn't have been happening.
And yet, it was.
"No one is changing rooms, so go back to your own!" She was on the verge of reaching her breaking point. More importantly though, why was Ichika not doing anything!?
Any look Houki gave Ichika made him look somewhere else.
"Say Ichika. Do you still remember our promise?" Rin changed the topic.
"Our promise?" Ichika tried to recall. "Do you mean the one we made back in middle school?"
Being ignored had caused Houki to reach her breaking point.
"ICHIKA! DON'T YOU DARE IGNORE ME!"
Houki grabbed her wooden Practice sword from the corner of the room, aiming to strike Ichika.
"Wait wait wait!" Ichika panicked while Rin's wristband on her right arm glowed.
CLANG!
The sound of wood hitting metal rang in everyone's ears. Rin held out her arm to intercept Houki's swing.
"Rin, are you all right?" Ichika was amazed that Rin had been able to summon part of her IS in such a short amount of time. Considering that Ichika himself had to concentrate before summoning his own IS. She wasn't a representative cadet for nothing.
"This is no biggie. I'm a representative cadet after all." Rin said confidently. She then turned to address Houki. "Listen here. A normal person could've been seriously injured by that attack. That sord of yours would've given Ichika at least a fracture. And you call yourself his childhood friend."
Houki dropped her sword. The way she swung; she was so angry that she was trying to actually hurt Ichika. If she had made contact, Ichika would've been crying in pain right now. She had to admit she was still immature, especially when It came to Ichika.
An apology was all Houki could muster.
She sat on the bed, too ashamed to continue speaking or argue with Rin now.
The Chinese girl shrugged her shoulder. "Oh well. What's done is done." Rin dematerialized her arm, and flipped her hair over her shoulder. Now that she was out of the way, she could with Ichika.
"Um Rin, about that promise you were talking about." Ichika said.
"Yeah. You still remember it… right?" Rin's cheeks heated up.
"Oh that. The one where if you get better at cooking than you'll…"
Rin's face beamed. "Yes! That's the one."
"Always be treating me to sweet-and-sour pork everyday right" Ichika finished.
…
…
...
"What?"
"We promised that once you get better at cooking, you'll be making me food right?"
SMACK
Rin didn't know what compelled her to do that, but she had struck Ichika with the palm of her hand. She looked down at it, now it was slightly red from her impact. Teardrops started to fall, staining her palm.
"…Rin?"
"You're the worst!" She couldn't raise her face at Ichika. "How could you forget the promise?"
"What are you talking about. I just told you what it was."
"I can't believe you can't remember what you promised a girl! How can you even call yourself a man you insensitive jerk?! Pathetic Dimwit!? I hope a dog bites you to death." Her face looked to be a mix of anger and betrayal as tears rode down her cheeks.
She grabbed her travel bag and ran off, slamming the door behind her.
Ichika stood there. Feeling the area where Rin struck leaving a red handprint behind. It stung when he touched it. He couldn't understand why Rin was so angry.
"Ichika." Houki said, having seen and heard everything.
"Y-yes Houki?"
Houki glared at Ichika. Despite her earlier mishap, what Ichika did to Rin wasn't right either.
"You really should get kicked by a horse and die."
/-/
The following day, class 1-1 was gathered around the board in their homeroom. The pairings for the class representative tournament had just been announced. Some students looked with excitement at the matches in the inter class tournament. For those who had to fight in though, it was another story.
Ichika sweated as he saw the names on the match-up list. It seemed as though even the god were out to get him.
Ichika Orimura vs Lingyin Huang
Velvet Hell vs Kanzashi Sarashiki
To Ichika, last night was a storm. However, this was a typhoon approaching the near horizon.
Next chapter we begin the inter class tournament, The one throughout the classes. Now that I think about it, the school has a lot of tournaments. Even with the quarantine, I still find myself pressed for time helping family and working on other projects. Leave a fav or review if you enjoyed the story.
You archtype breaker fans may notice another cameo besides Vishnu, and yes she will be in the story.
Keep your sense of wonder and see you next time.
/-/
Omake
Shenlong crashed to the ground as its shield energy dropped to zero. The unit refused to move without shield energy, laying there motionless against Rin's wishes. She was force to admit one thing.
Somehow, either by miracle or witchcraft, Jayden had defeated her.
"How the hell did I lose?" Rin deactivated her IS, groaning into the dirt. A Representative cadet had been defeated by an inexperienced newbie. With an IS still in its default setting! Oh god if her superiors found out, she'd lose her position for sure
"I won? I can't believe it. I won!" Jayden grinned. "Maybe I should be a cadet representative if this is the bar for the level.
Rin groaned even louder into the Earth.
"And as the winner, you have owe me one embarrassing secret."
Rin froze. That was a thing she had promised. Especially cause she never saw herself losing. "Wouldn't you rather have a delicious tasty dinner instead of some dumb secret. I can cook a real mean sweet and sour pork you know."
Jayden licked his lips. "Tempting… but I'd rather hear some juicy gossip."
Rin grinded her teeth. She made a promise and now she had to keep her word. She lifted him up a few inches by the collar of his IS suit. "If you tell anyone about what I'm about to tell you, no IS in the world will keep you safe from me. Got it?"
Jayden nodded.
Rin pulled him close enough that he could feel her lips on his ear. After making sure no one was here but them, she whispered into his ear secrets that would make anyone die of embarrassment if it ever reached the ears of the public. By the time she was done, Rin's face was the color of a tomato and Jayden's mouth was wide open
"Wait, they took photos of you in-"
Rin shoved her hand over Jayden's mouth.
"Never. Speak. Of. This. Again." Rin reminded
"Don't worry. I won't tell anyone Rin." Jayden promised.
/-/
"JAYDEN YOU LIAR!"
"IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK!"
All around room 1-1 before homeroom, Rin chased Jayden trying to get her hands on him. The two looked to be playing a game of keep away. The rules were that Jayden had to keep away from Rin or else he'd die.
"What are you doing Rin?" Ichika asked, his eyes following along as Rin chased down Jayden.
"This idiot broke a promise." Rin pointed. "And I'm gonna show him what happens what you break your word with me." She reached out to grab Jayden shirt but just missed.
"Okay I admit did tell someone, but it was only one person! And she forced me to tell her!"
"That's one person to many!"
Rin jumped onto him, sending Jayden to the ground with Rin on top. She held him down in a wrestling position sitting on him where she was twisting one of his arms behind his back.
"And just who did you tell?" Rin started twisting his arm further.
Jayden pointed with his free hand. Everyone followed his gaze onto Honne who gave a cheerful wave back with an arm covered by a sleeve too long for her.
That was the girl who Jayden claimed made him spill the beans…
Rin twisted his arm even harder.
"I'm serious! No one can say no to her puppy dog eyes."
Jayden pleaded for her to let go, tapping his hands on the ground.
"It's true." Honne admitted. "Jaydee told me all about you fought, and that he beat you. And the embarrassing thing you told him."
Rin glared eyes of fire at Jayden.
"Curiosity got the best of me and I spent all night doing research on Ling-Ling's embarrassing moment. Eventually my efforts paid off and I found something special." Honne reached into her pocket and pulled out her smart phone. "I was able to find some special photos on a special company's website."
Rin froze. She couldn't have found those photos…
"Take a look!" Honne passed her phone around to the class. The students gathered around to look at the screen.
On the screen were pictures of kids who seemed old enough to be in daycare that looked to be part of a photoshoot for some Chinese business. It was the kind of photo you'd want to use on a pamphlet or promotional leaflet. The big issue though was the one person who looked big enough to be in their teens wearing a big black and white fluffy panda costume. It looked fluffy with the upper head being a hood complete with panda ears on top of the head. And in that costume was Rin!
"No way!"
"Awwww!"
"So cute!"
"That's a good look on your Ms. Huang."
Honne scrolled across the photos showed Rin making a bunch of faces and poses with kids. She looked a little goofy in that outfit the photos with those kids were heartwarming and adorable.
"It looks like Rin did some modeling work as an IS pilot." Cecilia pointed out. "Some companies will use their pilots as models to gain attention and revenue in the process. Still to put you in this outfit… What was your company thinking?"
"It wasn't their fault it was mine!" Rin defended. "The place I went to had two photoshoots that day and I went to the wrong one. So, I made a little mistake. Sue me." Rin's face was going red, now everyone was seeing the pictures. Jaydne used the opportunity to get out form under Rin, who was too busy wishing she was dead to care.
"Even so, these aren't that bad. I don't get why you were so distraught us seeing these." Ichika said.
While she looked a little goofy in that panda suit, it wasn't embarrassing enough to reach the status of, 'my life is over.'.
Rin than realized she had a chance to spin this. It didn't seem like those photos were there.
"Yup. You got me, I dressed up in a stupid panda costume." Rin laughed nervously. "That's all there is to it. Pretty stupid huh?" They were embarrassing but at least that was all they were. As long as it wasn't those photos.
"And that's only the first half." Honne said.
"First half..."
Rin's hope level dropped to dangerous amounts. They couldn't be…
Honne tapped a hidden picture link and was taken to a new set of photos. Faces started to turn red seeing the images on screen. The looks confirmed it was those pictures.
Now there were photos of Rin chasing one of the boys with a look of rage. There were enough photos to make it look like a low frame low budget animation. There was just one important detail a viewer would be drawn to.
The costume's back zipper was open revealing Rin's butt to the camera.
Every photo had Rin looking like she was about to commit murder, or her rear was facing the camera. Which was worse? That would be up to the viewer.
"That's a huge wardrobe malfunction."
"I didn't know she hated kids so much."
"How indecent."
"Cute butt Lingyin."
Both guys faces were going red as the girls scrolled through picture after picture. Each one showcasing Rin's ass in some embarrassing form or a photo someone would use on a wanted poster. Classmates gathered around for a peek at Rin's modeling mishap.
"AGHHHHH! STOP LOOKING!" Rin started rolling in pain and embarrassment.
She recalled the event like a haunted memory. One little brat decided to get cheeky and pulled the zipper down. She didn't realize for five minutes and when she did figure it out, she was too angry to think straight and tried to thrash the brat instead of fixing herself. Not that she could've anyway. The costume was so big that she couldn't zip it back up on her own. All those photos taken with her ass on display.
Rin's strength and her reputation was fading away.
While everyone was looking at the photos, Ichika knelt over at Rin's side. "It's okay Rin, everyone has had an embarrassing moment at some point in their lives. Something else is gonna happen and it'll be nothing more than an afterthought." Ichika placed a hand on his second childhood friend's shoulder. He gave a comforting smile to help his fallen friend.
"Ichika…"
Rin felt her heartbeat sky rocket, ever since 5th grade she could always count on Ichika. He was always there for her. He'd helped her with bullies from elementary school and now comforting her in her darkest hour. He…. He….
He had just seen photos of her butt.
…
…
…
…
…
Rin collapsed to the floor as mini pandas circled around her head like stars. Now this was the new most embarrassing day of her life.
Welcome to IS Academy Ms. Panda. I mean Rin.